Get up to 70% off now through the end of the year! cornellmusicacademy.com/holid... Follow me! Instagram: bit.ly/2WoR7W1 Twitter: bit.ly/2I02YAt Facebook: bit.ly/2K4rHq8 TikTok: bit.ly/2X7pnlN
What other music from Fullmetal Alchemist do you want me to break down?? HEY by the way, our course platform now supports gifting! If you want to pick up any course bundle on the Cornell Music Academy for a friend or family member, just select "send as a gift" at checkout!! Plus, everything is 70% off now through the end of the year! cornellmusicacademy.com/holidaysale2023
Yes exactly my thoughts, when i first seen this show and heard that music, i was shocked in many ways, never thought hearing a russian song that deep in anime back then, still Listen to bratja "brothers" to this day ^^
This and the Main Theme from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood are some of my favorites. Definitely one of the most memorable soundtracks in media for me.
That main theme waltz is amazing, it’s just got this *power* behind it, you know? I think “to be continued” is a great lesson on how to play over a drone tone, too, it’s great :)
“Painfully beautiful”; thank you, that’s exactly what this kind of music feels like. Everyone saying it’s just dark or sad never made sense to me, it’s just as much about the slivers of golden light poking through the dark grey clouds as it is about those clouds themselves. That tension is always what drew me to these kinds of compositions
" this shouldn't be so sad" This whole series is sadness incarnate but also overcoming what life has become when you feel like all is lost and there is no hope. I wouldn't be as obsessed with these songs if they weren't sad because it expresses the world they live in before the end.
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood has the best soundtrack I've ever heard in a show and one of the best soundtracks in general! I would love to hear more analysis of the songs!
Honestly, FMAB has the most insane and emotionally charged counterpoint I've heard and the whole OST is filled with baroque music influences in such a natural fashion and an amazing respect to the melodic lines
There’s this one song in FMAB called ‘Poslude’ that plays in the background when Dr. Knoxx says: "I don't know if you actually exist or not, God; but cut me some slack. Even a guy like me needs a break. Please, let me enjoy the happiness of having a cup of coffee with my family." It’s so heartbreakingly beautiful!
Well I'd say this song is not exactly sad for me, it's more like a deeply nostalgic feeling of missing home. It is telling the beginning and the end of the story in the song. It's played not only for the story of losing Trisha, but also in the very end when Ed and Al are finally going "home" back to Winry and Pinaco and everything is finally solved. I think it's meant to represent both feelings. And it's just a masterpiece.
Yeah, I'd say this song is more "bathes you in feels". I'd consider a song like Rain to have the emotional _impact_ that is necessary to really generate an emotional resonance. If this is "bathes you in feels", then Rain is "kicks your heart in the dick". And I think that _also_ has to do with how it's entangled with the OP sequence and the understanding of the story and the culmination of all the story threads at the very end of the show. Rain is the last OP of the series, and it brings *everything* _raining_ down on you. I think that has a *lot* more emotional _impact_ and _force_ compared to a background track that is frequently used right from the very start of the show through to the end. It's more "immersing", providing an auditory background for events to happen. But as an OP, Rain takes _center stage_ and it's the story and animation that become the backdrop for it.
When you speak musician, I don't understand a thing. Yet I love how time and time again you seem to appreciate the heck out of music that I've loved in the past, despite not being "musically literate". There's just something magical about music, man.
I had always felt this song comes more from Hoenheim's mourning towards Trisha. Which is why it feels both sad & beautiful at the same time. A husband mourning the loss of his kind & sweet wife, who also gave him the happiest things in his life. She gave him him her time, heart, & 2 children. It's mourning & thankfulness at the same time.
I always interpret the sentiment of this piece as being “bittersweet”. You touch on this with the interplay between the minor keys that feel dark and sad vs the major keys that feel full of hope and joy. It’s a perfect representation of mature grief. It’s simultaneously holding at once the sensation of loss, of pain and sorrow, and also holding the joy, the nostalgia, the happiness of the time spent with that person who’s now gone. It never fails to bring me to tears and cause me to reflect on those I’ve lost on the way.
when i was in music school and taking music history courses, i remember thinking that a lot of the turn of the century romantic/early 21st century pieces sounded hauntingly similar to FMA's music, and i became utterly fascinated with that period of music. it's just absolutely stunning and having that predisposition towards it because of this wonderful score probably helped me appreciate it more. it's probably because they share a key, but it does also remind of the second movement of holst's second suite in F. F minor is just SUCH a perfect key for bittersweet, haunting tragedy
Some of our Christmas carols in Poland have this aspect of sad, tragic lullabies. To the point I wouldn't be surprised if someone had already adapted this one for Church somewhere
I can't believe the day came when someone actually understood what this piece is about. Thank you so much for sharing this review. After this I hope this piece gets the amount of attention it deserves
This is a perfect composition that encompasses a lot of what late classical and early romantic composers were trying to convey. It has such a tenderness and the music speaks without even knowing the context. Masterful composition
Just wanted to let you know that your content got me to play the piano for the first time in nearly 20 years the other day. Thanks for doing what you do.
Lol I thought he was for sure gonna cover the 2003 anime’s “Braja” b/c of how iconic it is, but I’ll take this too I’m certainly not complaining-just surprised since I don’t see this one get talked about as much. The melody with the back and fourth call and answer he talked about and how the minor cord doesn’t keep it completely saturated in sadness, especially with that “answer” at the end of each call…idk. To me it definitely leaves each sad moment with an almost hopeful, questioning reply. And I think that even matches WITH the context too. Kind of fits with the story and what Trisha’s death bring on for the brothers: They’re distraught and dower at the death of their mom…yet have that nagging hopefulness in the dark that maybe they can find a way to bring her back. And even beyond just that initial moment-it over-arches into the rest of their storyline with how the transmutation attempt took them back so many steps and left them in a seemingly hopeless situation again, with the add-on of guilt for what Ed feels he did to his brother, but also that hopeful tone of the possibility of finding a way to fix that sin and get his brother’s body back on their journey, even if it may be a harrowing one, and they carry scars from it…they don’t want to give up hope just yet. It fits so well with the overall vibe of the plot and the Elric Brother’s journey
What a beautiful excersise and your explanation ot "walkthrough" is precise, what a joy to listen to! For me, the fact that there are these "jumps" to major chords is like having a (false) sense of positive resolution, only to jump back to minor chords to let us back down. This is the sadness, bringing the ray of light only to loose it after a brief moment. What a skillfull dance of hope, sadness, positivity, sentiment. Once more - great explanation and as usual it is a joy to see your enthusiasm for great melodies :) Thank you.
This song, like the loss it represents, is perfectly bittersweet. The loss of a close loved one is always sad, but the life they lived, and the love they shared is so beautiful that it shines through the pain.
You just did the most painfully beautiful piano version of this song while explaining it in an awaesome way. You never fail to impress me. Now we need a full Version of this song from you!
Thanks for pointing out this absolutely gorgeous song - the opening call sounds like Finlandia (Sibelius). (I've only ever heard Brothers and really love that tune too. Maybe I just like tunes in 3?)
Personally - "Nocturne of Amestris", "Epilogue: A New Journey", "Requiem for the Brigadier General", and "Violoncello's Lament" all rival this theme as well. I'd love to hear break downs of these!
Beautiful video! This song has had such an impact on me since the first time I heard it watching the anime. I still find myself humming it randomly many, many years later. Like an earworm that's permanently established itself in my brain. Your passion of breaking it down just makes me appreciate it all that much more. Thank you! ❤
So glad I'm a subscriber. What if I'd missed this fantastic video? Been waiting almost 15 years to see this song's intricacies get recognised. Love your passionate and educational content. Thank you.
Dude, if you haven’t done it yet, you should do a comparison of this piece to the theme of Elfen Lied. A lot of the chordal progressions are very similar to this piece. Similar dour, tragic mood. Super pretty.
I was looking for this comment, I wasn't sure if I was alone, but a lot of the times in this video it reminded me of Lilium, which is one of my favourite openings. He definitely should look it up!
Amazing song Lilium, i remember the first time that i heard it i was in awe of the chord progression and the whole ambiance of it, also the singer did a beautiful performance in that song
Trisha's lullaby is one of those beautiful musics that touches you deeply and that I'll never forget. I suggest you to check Vogel Im Kafig from SNK which is also one music that completely fulfills its role and tears you through opposed emotions.
This piece is really beautiful, it modulate every time so it take you everything at a new place, you never know where ur gonna be at the next chord, this is what I love in music
Great video and interesting analysis. That descending bassline reminds me of a tradational 'lament bass'. The harmonic progression through the circle of fifths you pointed out is very common in classical music and has a very purposeful sound. Maybe it's conveying a sense of inevitability or perhaps reassurance? I don't know enough about the context of the song, so I'm just idly speculating!
You should do the theme to Cowboy Bebop, TANK! It’s fascinating to break it down and see just how faithful it is to the classic blues scale and progression (i i iv i v iv i) it stays-the baseline, the main melody, harmonies, all of it. Yoko Kanno is just smacking you in the face with “THIS IS A WESTERN. IN SPACE. BECAUSE BLUES. GET IT?” Lol it’s almost anal retentive how many overlapping layers there are in that blues format. If you haven’t broken that piece down, it’s a fun one to unwind and analyze for sure!
Such an amazing breakdown of this song. Helps me articulate why I love this song. It's that tension between the sadness and the hopefulness/love that it conveys. Amazing song. I'm surprised at the overall quality of all the songs in this show. They're all so well composed and convey emotion so well.
This also reminds me a lot of music from Elfen Lied (an amazingly gory psychological supernatural horror anime… with an excellent soundtrack). Now I’m wondering if I could make a mashup/medley of parts…
There's this phenomenal lullaby called Isabellas lullaby from promised neverland , check that out as well, the piano versions go so hard for it, There's also this theme from shiki called eau de vie that deserves some attention with the show also being so forgotten for how good it is
Love this and thanks for covering the breakdown! Added to my playlist haha. Sounds really Neapolitan especially the 2nd section. Also reminds me of schindlers list and let the right one in soundtracks.
Your anime ost analysis are pure gold to understanding the technical beauty of these songs, I LOVE IT! I recommand listening to made in abyss ost "VOH" by Kevin Pekin, it is incredibly beautiful and with the context of the story, it is heartbraking how amazing it is
Oof.... right in the feels. Another good one you could have also done is "Requiem for the Brigadier General". Hughes' death/burial scene makes me tear up just remembering it. It was written and composed so well in both the original FMA and FMA:B.
Hi Charles, I watch you from Brazil. Love the way you talk about the way chords brings us feelings. Can you please make an analysis from the main theme of Bridge to Terabithia?
Thank you for a beautiful video… I love this channel because You discuss the music of some of my favorite composers such as Claude Debussy and Vince Guaraldi, but you also have introduced me to Music I am not familiar with… thanks again.
Thanks for your breakdowns, Charles! I took some music theory classes in college, but I'm no professional nor jazz musician. For a long time I had a hard time finding videos/content that bridged the gap between the very basics and the super advanced, and I think your channel does that beautifully. (Db maj7 in Fm is also my favorite chord, lol)
Gonna be real most of the time I'm not able to fully follow what you're describing with half diminished and inversion and whatnot, but gosh do I love hearing you figure out and gush about music and shows I love!
FMA Brotherhood is as close as it gets to a perfect anime. The story is deep but not too long and drawn out, the characters are memorable and are so well developed, the fight scenes are epic, and of course, the music is phenomenal. It has aged like fine wine
It does unfortunately lose out on some key early story plot beats, though. A few establishing manga chapters got cut, leaving some early gut wrenchers with less impact than intended. Can't blame it too hard though, the original 2003 anime already adapted the early story masterfully. Though sadly, BH cut my favourite part of the manga which deals with giving The Ishbalan War more context and depth, along with the soldiers that took part in it. So yeah, BH is a pretty good shounen.
It's great to see you looking into something else than opening and ending songs of anime. I always think the best stuff is found between the front and back cover of a book ;)
Just stumbled upon your video. I love that you analyze one of my favourite songs in media of all time (honorable mentions include Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Elfenlied, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and the list goes on).
I was hit by how much this sounds like something Keiichi Okabe, who wrote the music for the Nier games among others, could have written. This piece especially reminded me of Shadowlord from Nier Replicant/Gestalt.
The part where he discusses how the melody essentially stays the same, though the chords change and weave around each other can have even a narrative meaning - since the song is essentially about 2 brothers, both grieving the loss of their mother. Section ‘A’ could be one brother’s perspective, potentially the younger or less experienced brother, dealing with the loss, and section B could represent the same event/scenario but from a different, but similar perspective. The melody represents the loss of the mother.
When I play lullaby of resembool (basically a string version) on the second chord I love to play Eb7 with a Db-Eb-G voicing. That tone interval alone gives me chills
I was surprised you did this song! This song is one of my favorites from the show. It isn't just sad but its beautifully sad. You did a really good job dissecting this song and making me love it even more. If you revisit this show again you should definitely do the Stepping Along or as most people call it "The Train Song". Its simple but I think that's what makes it good.
I just rewatched and finished this series today! I love everything about the animation, the story, and especially the captivating music. We need more well written and composed animes!
Towards the end of the video, I kind of realized why this is such a good theme for FMA: Brotherhood. You're right that it's sad and tear jerking but yet hopeful. The song itself, like the rest of the show, conveys the idea of "balance" or as Ed puts it "equivalent exchange." The tone and vibe given is downcast, but in turn it makes us yearn for the future to come out of tragedy and vice versa. It takes both emotional elements of the Elricks' lives and how despair filled they are but eluding to the fact that what they do in the end only occurs because of that sadness; they know what it means to have "balance" and the theme certainly shows it
What other music from Fullmetal Alchemist do you want me to break down?? HEY by the way, our course platform now supports gifting! If you want to pick up any course bundle on the Cornell Music Academy for a friend or family member, just select "send as a gift" at checkout!! Plus, everything is 70% off now through the end of the year! cornellmusicacademy.com/holidaysale2023
One of my faves from FMA is "Kyoudai (ブラザース, Brothers), also called Братья (Brat'ya/Bratja) and Reminiscence (追訴 Tsuiso)", always makes me tear up.
To Be King, Xing Symphony, A Soldier's Honor, and many more. You can find plenty of FMA Brotherhood playlists online.
Enjoy! 🙂
@@Marian87and I suspect that the lullaby was inspired by it…
I’d say, “Overture-Brotherhood” or “Requiem for the Brigadier General”
Just finished watching "The Witch from Mercury" Music by Takashi Ohmama been listening to the soundtrack for the last week nonstop.
I’m a simple man. I see Full Metal Alchemist, and I click
agreed
I too am this but also cry because "Ed...ward?" 😢
Same
Only brotherhood
Yawn. Great original bot response
Also from Fma (2003) is Bratja. A tragic song about the brother’s relationship. It’s hauntingly beautiful.
as an older brother that one makes me cry every time...
I ignore most of the salt from the Brotherhood haters, but Bratja do be good point.
Especially if you understand the lyrics
Yes exactly my thoughts, when i first seen this show and heard that music, i was shocked in many ways, never thought hearing a russian song that deep in anime back then, still Listen to bratja "brothers" to this day ^^
I genuinely thought thought this video was about bratja, I didn’t know that the new version didn’t include it
This and the Main Theme from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood are some of my favorites. Definitely one of the most memorable soundtracks in media for me.
I still reminisce to the sound of resembol lullaby
Lapis philosophum is good too
That main theme waltz is amazing, it’s just got this *power* behind it, you know?
I think “to be continued” is a great lesson on how to play over a drone tone, too, it’s great :)
“Painfully beautiful”; thank you, that’s exactly what this kind of music feels like. Everyone saying it’s just dark or sad never made sense to me, it’s just as much about the slivers of golden light poking through the dark grey clouds as it is about those clouds themselves. That tension is always what drew me to these kinds of compositions
I'd say melancholy with tints of warmth is much more appropriate than dark.
12:30 I thought too that that sentence really had a lot of wisdom in a nutshell.
Saudoso.
Brazilians call that, the melancholy of nostalgia.
Sadness over something happy/great that is no more.
A good way to describe a LOT of Attatck On Titan music as well
I feel the same way about Lillium, the theme from Elfen Lied. Painful, soul-shattering beauty. It reminds me a lot of this, and vice versa.
" this shouldn't be so sad" This whole series is sadness incarnate but also overcoming what life has become when you feel like all is lost and there is no hope. I wouldn't be as obsessed with these songs if they weren't sad because it expresses the world they live in before the end.
Please do one on Bratja ( 2003 FMA)… you won’t be disappointed.
This!!! I need this.
I thought this was what he was going to do at first. My favourite by far.
I thought it was Bratja before I clicked.. really hope he finds that piece worthy of a break down.
Good that other people remember Bratja, personally my favorite FMA theme in general.
@@dragonoye2426 Literally got it on repeat right now, the nostalgia, my god!
This guy has got it all figured out.
He takes something you love, then tells you why it's good, which makes you love it even more.
Bravo 👏
Bratja from 2003's adaption is also worth your attention it is simple beautiful and pulls them heart strings just like this piece.
Absolutely! The Consouls also did a great cover of it which I also love
Trish's Lullaby is a gorgeous piece of music. My other favorite from FMAB is OP5 "Rain"
Yeah, rain and of course the first op “Again” are my standouts
The first ending for fmab was another amazing song by the same band. I love sid so much
Lapis Philosophorum is a solid.
Also, Dante's theme from 2003
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood has the best soundtrack I've ever heard in a show and one of the best soundtracks in general! I would love to hear more analysis of the songs!
I prefer the OG full metal show’s score for sure
@@DefenestrateYourself it is also very good
Honestly, FMAB has the most insane and emotionally charged counterpoint I've heard and the whole OST is filled with baroque music influences in such a natural fashion and an amazing respect to the melodic lines
There’s this one song in FMAB called ‘Poslude’ that plays in the background when Dr. Knoxx says:
"I don't know if you actually exist or not, God; but cut me some slack. Even a guy like me needs a break. Please, let me enjoy the happiness of having a cup of coffee with my family."
It’s so heartbreakingly beautiful!
Well I'd say this song is not exactly sad for me, it's more like a deeply nostalgic feeling of missing home. It is telling the beginning and the end of the story in the song.
It's played not only for the story of losing Trisha, but also in the very end when Ed and Al are finally going "home" back to Winry and Pinaco and everything is finally solved. I think it's meant to represent both feelings. And it's just a masterpiece.
Well put. After all, it is the lullaby of a lost mother; it should be warm, rich, and reassuring, yet also a bit melancholy--which it is.
Yeah, I'd say this song is more "bathes you in feels". I'd consider a song like Rain to have the emotional _impact_ that is necessary to really generate an emotional resonance. If this is "bathes you in feels", then Rain is "kicks your heart in the dick". And I think that _also_ has to do with how it's entangled with the OP sequence and the understanding of the story and the culmination of all the story threads at the very end of the show. Rain is the last OP of the series, and it brings *everything* _raining_ down on you. I think that has a *lot* more emotional _impact_ and _force_ compared to a background track that is frequently used right from the very start of the show through to the end. It's more "immersing", providing an auditory background for events to happen. But as an OP, Rain takes _center stage_ and it's the story and animation that become the backdrop for it.
Exactly
When you speak musician, I don't understand a thing. Yet I love how time and time again you seem to appreciate the heck out of music that I've loved in the past, despite not being "musically literate".
There's just something magical about music, man.
I had always felt this song comes more from Hoenheim's mourning towards Trisha. Which is why it feels both sad & beautiful at the same time. A husband mourning the loss of his kind & sweet wife, who also gave him the happiest things in his life. She gave him him her time, heart, & 2 children. It's mourning & thankfulness at the same time.
THIS SHOW IS MY FAVORITE i'm so excited you're covering this theme i've always thought it was amazing
The word I'd describe this piece with is "solemn."
I loved every piece of music from both fullmetal series...
Winner take here.
I always interpret the sentiment of this piece as being “bittersweet”. You touch on this with the interplay between the minor keys that feel dark and sad vs the major keys that feel full of hope and joy.
It’s a perfect representation of mature grief. It’s simultaneously holding at once the sensation of loss, of pain and sorrow, and also holding the joy, the nostalgia, the happiness of the time spent with that person who’s now gone.
It never fails to bring me to tears and cause me to reflect on those I’ve lost on the way.
when i was in music school and taking music history courses, i remember thinking that a lot of the turn of the century romantic/early 21st century pieces sounded hauntingly similar to FMA's music, and i became utterly fascinated with that period of music. it's just absolutely stunning and having that predisposition towards it because of this wonderful score probably helped me appreciate it more.
it's probably because they share a key, but it does also remind of the second movement of holst's second suite in F. F minor is just SUCH a perfect key for bittersweet, haunting tragedy
There are several pieces from this anime that DESERVE to be covered. Please do another video on Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Crime and Punishment from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a gorgeous song. Thank you for the great videos!
Thank you! The video & comments all talk about the song but not what the song actually is.
this song isn't Crime and Punishment (that's just another good song). The song in the video is Trisha's Lullaby@@_x.
Some of our Christmas carols in Poland have this aspect of sad, tragic lullabies. To the point I wouldn't be surprised if someone had already adapted this one for Church somewhere
There's a Polish connection! It was performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.
@@Nadia1989 Yeah, I found it out a few minutes later
« It’s dark but beautiful. It’s sad but it’s not.» I call it nostalgia. This happy sadness or sad happiness.
I can't believe the day came when someone actually understood what this piece is about.
Thank you so much for sharing this review. After this I hope this piece gets the amount of attention it deserves
The way you first paint us the color or the mood of the chord before approaching it very very much appreciated and I thank you for it
This is a perfect composition that encompasses a lot of what late classical and early romantic composers were trying to convey. It has such a tenderness and the music speaks without even knowing the context. Masterful composition
Just wanted to let you know that your content got me to play the piano for the first time in nearly 20 years the other day. Thanks for doing what you do.
Awesome! Same here. Check out his online courses. I recently signed up and have been super enjoying it. Guys an awesome teacher.
I just realized how recognizable the Fullmetal Alchemist soundtrack is.
Lol I thought he was for sure gonna cover the 2003 anime’s “Braja” b/c of how iconic it is, but I’ll take this too I’m certainly not complaining-just surprised since I don’t see this one get talked about as much.
The melody with the back and fourth call and answer he talked about and how the minor cord doesn’t keep it completely saturated in sadness, especially with that “answer” at the end of each call…idk. To me it definitely leaves each sad moment with an almost hopeful, questioning reply. And I think that even matches WITH the context too.
Kind of fits with the story and what Trisha’s death bring on for the brothers:
They’re distraught and dower at the death of their mom…yet have that nagging hopefulness in the dark that maybe they can find a way to bring her back.
And even beyond just that initial moment-it over-arches into the rest of their storyline with how the transmutation attempt took them back so many steps and left them in a seemingly hopeless situation again, with the add-on of guilt for what Ed feels he did to his brother, but also that hopeful tone of the possibility of finding a way to fix that sin and get his brother’s body back on their journey, even if it may be a harrowing one, and they carry scars from it…they don’t want to give up hope just yet.
It fits so well with the overall vibe of the plot and the Elric Brother’s journey
I love that tune - discovered through a Consouls cover (they use the English title Brothers)
What a beautiful excersise and your explanation ot "walkthrough" is precise, what a joy to listen to! For me, the fact that there are these "jumps" to major chords is like having a (false) sense of positive resolution, only to jump back to minor chords to let us back down. This is the sadness, bringing the ray of light only to loose it after a brief moment. What a skillfull dance of hope, sadness, positivity, sentiment. Once more - great explanation and as usual it is a joy to see your enthusiasm for great melodies :) Thank you.
1:39
2:28
Sounds like a sad version of the "curse of the black pearl" from pirates of the caribbean.
This song, like the loss it represents, is perfectly bittersweet. The loss of a close loved one is always sad, but the life they lived, and the love they shared is so beautiful that it shines through the pain.
You just did the most painfully beautiful piano version of this song while explaining it in an awaesome way. You never fail to impress me.
Now we need a full Version of this song from you!
Thanks for pointing out this absolutely gorgeous song - the opening call sounds like Finlandia (Sibelius). (I've only ever heard Brothers and really love that tune too. Maybe I just like tunes in 3?)
Holy shit. I saw FMAB 3 times in this year and this was my most played song in 2023. Love so much, man 💙
Personally - "Nocturne of Amestris", "Epilogue: A New Journey", "Requiem for the Brigadier General", and "Violoncello's Lament" all rival this theme as well. I'd love to hear break downs of these!
Far east suite was good as well
Don't forget "Crime & Punishment" and "Lapis Philosophorum"!
Beautiful video! This song has had such an impact on me since the first time I heard it watching the anime. I still find myself humming it randomly many, many years later. Like an earworm that's permanently established itself in my brain. Your passion of breaking it down just makes me appreciate it all that much more. Thank you! ❤
really appreciate that you show the sheet music with the chords on it, makes it so easy to learn from thank you!
Omg i love FMA and FMAB!!❤❤❤
Well this one was a pleasant surprise. Amazing work as always, man. This one is gonna be popular, I already know it lol
So glad I'm a subscriber. What if I'd missed this fantastic video? Been waiting almost 15 years to see this song's intricacies get recognised. Love your passionate and educational content. Thank you.
i really love your content. i really needed this video, thank you❤
This is one of my favourite song from the serie. I am so glad that you made a video on it! 🤩
Dude, if you haven’t done it yet, you should do a comparison of this piece to the theme of Elfen Lied. A lot of the chordal progressions are very similar to this piece. Similar dour, tragic mood. Super pretty.
I was looking for this comment, I wasn't sure if I was alone, but a lot of the times in this video it reminded me of Lilium, which is one of my favourite openings. He definitely should look it up!
Amazing song Lilium, i remember the first time that i heard it i was in awe of the chord progression and the whole ambiance of it, also the singer did a beautiful performance in that song
Amazing job Charles! Thank you for the great analysis!
"Lullaby of Resembool" and "crime and punishment" have been my favorite for a while
Trisha's lullaby is one of those beautiful musics that touches you deeply and that I'll never forget. I suggest you to check Vogel Im Kafig from SNK which is also one music that completely fulfills its role and tears you through opposed emotions.
It would be really nice for you to break down romantic era harmonies used by Chopin or Rachmaninoff
I second this!!
I particularly would love to see some Brahms also!!
This is on my "winter arc' running playlist. I am a HUGE FM fan and this track hits every single time. Thanks for covering this!
This piece is really beautiful, it modulate every time so it take you everything at a new place, you never know where ur gonna be at the next chord, this is what I love in music
Great video and interesting analysis.
That descending bassline reminds me of a tradational 'lament bass'. The harmonic progression through the circle of fifths you pointed out is very common in classical music and has a very purposeful sound. Maybe it's conveying a sense of inevitability or perhaps reassurance? I don't know enough about the context of the song, so I'm just idly speculating!
You should do the theme to Cowboy Bebop, TANK! It’s fascinating to break it down and see just how faithful it is to the classic blues scale and progression (i i iv i v iv i) it stays-the baseline, the main melody, harmonies, all of it. Yoko Kanno is just smacking you in the face with “THIS IS A WESTERN. IN SPACE. BECAUSE BLUES. GET IT?” Lol it’s almost anal retentive how many overlapping layers there are in that blues format. If you haven’t broken that piece down, it’s a fun one to unwind and analyze for sure!
Such an amazing breakdown of this song. Helps me articulate why I love this song. It's that tension between the sadness and the hopefulness/love that it conveys. Amazing song. I'm surprised at the overall quality of all the songs in this show. They're all so well composed and convey emotion so well.
One of my all-time favorites! Love to see this one covered
This also reminds me a lot of music from Elfen Lied (an amazingly gory psychological supernatural horror anime… with an excellent soundtrack).
Now I’m wondering if I could make a mashup/medley of parts…
There's this phenomenal lullaby called Isabellas lullaby from promised neverland , check that out as well, the piano versions go so hard for it,
There's also this theme from shiki called eau de vie that deserves some attention with the show also being so forgotten for how good it is
I was literally going to comment this suggestion
Dude! Hell yes, shiki is awesome and deserves more attention
trisha’s lullaby is so good i love crying
Love this and thanks for covering the breakdown! Added to my playlist haha. Sounds really Neapolitan especially the 2nd section. Also reminds me of schindlers list and let the right one in soundtracks.
Your anime ost analysis are pure gold to understanding the technical beauty of these songs, I LOVE IT!
I recommand listening to made in abyss ost "VOH" by Kevin Pekin, it is incredibly beautiful and with the context of the story, it is heartbraking how amazing it is
Oof.... right in the feels. Another good one you could have also done is "Requiem for the Brigadier General". Hughes' death/burial scene makes me tear up just remembering it. It was written and composed so well in both the original FMA and FMA:B.
I don't know music at all, but I see someone explaining the melody with such passion, well worth the watch. :)
Hi Charles, I watch you from Brazil.
Love the way you talk about the way chords brings us feelings.
Can you please make an analysis from the main theme of Bridge to Terabithia?
Japanese composers are soOOOO good. Nobuo Uematsu is another true OG of ingenious composition and style.
Don’t forget Yoko Shimamura
Joe... effing... Hisashi
Trisha s lullaby has a special place in my Heart, thx for making this video
Thank you for a beautiful video… I love this channel because You discuss the music of some of my favorite composers such as Claude Debussy and Vince Guaraldi, but you also have introduced me to Music I am not familiar with… thanks again.
This has been my go to 'whistle in an empty hallway' piece for the better half of a decade, glad to see people giving it some appreciation.
Hey Charles! Please check out the "Flying Beagle" album by Himiko Kikuchi! I'd love to see you make a video on this absolute masterpiece! 💯👌
Gas album
This, this and this. Flying Beagle is perfection throughout, lowkey one of the best and most consistent album ever recorded
@@longlifetometal1995 Hard agree 💯 it would be dope to see and hear what Charles thinks of it 👌🏾
Agreed it's insanely good please check it out
Great episode! Any chance can you cover Nier Automata? There are crazy motifs and sound design that would be interesting to cover
i second this!!!
Thanks for your breakdowns, Charles! I took some music theory classes in college, but I'm no professional nor jazz musician. For a long time I had a hard time finding videos/content that bridged the gap between the very basics and the super advanced, and I think your channel does that beautifully.
(Db maj7 in Fm is also my favorite chord, lol)
Gonna be real most of the time I'm not able to fully follow what you're describing with half diminished and inversion and whatnot, but gosh do I love hearing you figure out and gush about music and shows I love!
FMA Brotherhood is as close as it gets to a perfect anime. The story is deep but not too long and drawn out, the characters are memorable and are so well developed, the fight scenes are epic, and of course, the music is phenomenal. It has aged like fine wine
It does unfortunately lose out on some key early story plot beats, though. A few establishing manga chapters got cut, leaving some early gut wrenchers with less impact than intended.
Can't blame it too hard though, the original 2003 anime already adapted the early story masterfully. Though sadly, BH cut my favourite part of the manga which deals with giving The Ishbalan War more context and depth, along with the soldiers that took part in it.
So yeah, BH is a pretty good shounen.
FMA, what a nostalgia!
Great video!
It's great to see you looking into something else than opening and ending songs of anime. I always think the best stuff is found between the front and back cover of a book ;)
Just stumbled upon your video. I love that you analyze one of my favourite songs in media of all time (honorable mentions include Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Elfenlied, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and the list goes on).
Yeah you know what the vibe is. Phenomenal taste.
It always gives me goosebumps, it's so incredibly well made
I was hit by how much this sounds like something Keiichi Okabe, who wrote the music for the Nier games among others, could have written. This piece especially reminded me of Shadowlord from Nier Replicant/Gestalt.
Amazing analysis on this incredible song. Waiting anxiously for your comments on "Lapis Philosophorum".
The part where he discusses how the melody essentially stays the same, though the chords change and weave around each other can have even a narrative meaning - since the song is essentially about 2 brothers, both grieving the loss of their mother. Section ‘A’ could be one brother’s perspective, potentially the younger or less experienced brother, dealing with the loss, and section B could represent the same event/scenario but from a different, but similar perspective. The melody represents the loss of the mother.
Charles you are my favorite TH-camr and have taught me so much about piano please for the love of god do a video on the boy and the herons score!
I arranged lullaby of resembool for my college recital a few years ago! This soundtrack has such a special place in my heart
This is awesome. Super inspiring.
When I play lullaby of resembool (basically a string version) on the second chord I love to play Eb7 with a Db-Eb-G voicing. That tone interval alone gives me chills
Amazing soundtrack and great analysis. Can’t wait to see you look at the other tracks.
Been waiting for this one DAMN
Achingly beautiful song and wonderful analysis. I loved it!
I was surprised you did this song! This song is one of my favorites from the show. It isn't just sad but its beautifully sad. You did a really good job dissecting this song and making me love it even more. If you revisit this show again you should definitely do the Stepping Along or as most people call it "The Train Song". Its simple but I think that's what makes it good.
I love to play along with these videos and would really appreciate a link to the lead sheet you used in the description!
I just rewatched and finished this series today! I love everything about the animation, the story, and especially the captivating music. We need more well written and composed animes!
You are one of the best things in this plantaform sir. Thanks
Thanks for giving me another concept for my story with this video.😉
Towards the end of the video, I kind of realized why this is such a good theme for FMA: Brotherhood. You're right that it's sad and tear jerking but yet hopeful. The song itself, like the rest of the show, conveys the idea of "balance" or as Ed puts it "equivalent exchange." The tone and vibe given is downcast, but in turn it makes us yearn for the future to come out of tragedy and vice versa. It takes both emotional elements of the Elricks' lives and how despair filled they are but eluding to the fact that what they do in the end only occurs because of that sadness; they know what it means to have "balance" and the theme certainly shows it
Thank you for this I love this track a lot and this helped me appreciate the masterful arrangement of this piece of music even more.
I have NEVER come across a new video uploaded only 4 SECONDS ago! What lucky timing haha
Ive never heard that song before but it sure is a masterpiece. Nice job on the break down
I just rewatched Brotherhood and seeing this video pop up made me so happy 💓
I just want to hear your piano upon the original song, just playing along... I already got chills just imagining it... Omg... Goosebumps 😮
Not just Brotherhood but the original FMA from 2003 as well. These soundtracks are just pure art.
this video caused me to rewatch the series and let me tell you, the music is well done